Breaking: Karim Benzema is a Gunner, Zidane breaks news

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Arsenal would like to exchange Alexis Sanchez for Karim Benzema according to Don Balon, but Real Madrid are refusing to discuss the proposal.

The Spanish publication, which is not always the most reliable of sources, has suggested that the Chilean international’s refusal to sign a new contract at the Emirates has prompted the Gunners to offer the player to Real. The deal would have made Sanchez the most highly paid player in the Premier League, but the forward looks determined to leave the club.

Although it is believed Sanchez would be open to a move to the Bernabeu, Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane is not willing to let Benzema make the move in the opposite direction as he sees him as an important first team player.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger is believed to be a huge admirer of Benzema, who is one year older than Sanchez at 29 years of age. His countryman Zidane is however adamant the forward stays in Spain, and Don Balon report that Real are looking to extend the striker’s contract beyond his current deal which expires in 2019.